this was posted on UKS on the 1st dec hope this clears some points
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 5:30 pm
Global Moderator
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:57 pm
Posts: 5995
Guys,
I've spoken to all the guys who have been involved in the Support for Soldiers project and here's the promised update now that the final total has been tallied (this includes the funds raised at the Awards Dinner). It's probably a good time to stick this post up as I know one individual who asked if it could be made a bit clearer. Please feel free to copy and re post this to other forums if you wish.
Support for Soldiers
Support for Soldiers was a project that was set up with the full consultation and input from the UK Scenario community via the UK Scenario Forum. The set up, structure and parties involved has all been clearly explained on numerous occasions and via multiple channels (magazine articles, Super6 newsletters, Super6 eMagazines, the UK Scenario Forum, the BZ Paintball Shop and countless times at events).
The project has NEVER ever been called a charity. It has been made absolutely clear from the start why it has been deliberately been structured NOT to be a charity. The structure for the project was designed under advice and recommendations from the Institute of Fund Raising (
http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/) who have confirmed that the structure and organisation of the project is wholly and unequivocally legal and above board and is also the most appropriate way to do it.
There are three obligations that those involved in such a project need to fulfil;
1) Clarity at the point of collection as to what the fund raising is for
2) Clear accountancy procedures for transactions relating to the project
3) Clarity on what any money has been spent on.
Support for Soldiers does, and always has, met all three of these requirements.
For the outset it has repeatedly been made clear what the project is for and what it sought to achieve and this process has been ongoing for over 12 months. Additionally, where funds have been raised via paint sales by BZ Paintball each box of paint featured a large Support for Soldiers sticker on each box and a Support for Soldiers banner was present at the BZ stand at ALL major UK games (both Super6 and non-Super6). Where funds were raised by auctions, raffles or other activities a full explanation has always been given prior to such activities taking place. Many member of the community will have witnessed briefings and explanations at multiple events all over the UK in the past 12 months to this effect. All collection buckets used to collect funds have featured Support for Soldiers logos and stickers.
There has been absolutely no ambiguity whatsoever at the point of collection what the Support for Soldiers project is about and great pains have been taken to ensure this. When the project was launched, it was made clear that at the end of the 2011 year, the funds would be distributed and a full account would be made available to the players so that those who had donated could see where their money had been spent. A full balance sheet has been maintained throughout the year detailing funds collected, funds distributed and remaining balances. It has always been the case that this data would be made available at the end of 2011 following the collection of any funds raised after the awards in November.
Summary
Support for Soldiers is a wholly legal project. It is not a registered charity and there has always been 100% clarity as to why it was deliberately structured that way. Those who wish to point to the fact that it is not a registered charity as proof that it is in some way fraudulent are deliberately and wilfully misrepresenting the project and legal moves have been necessary in recent weeks and days in order to ensure that such malicious rumours are not spread further than they already have been.
The structure for Support for Soldiers has been checked by an independent body (the Institute for Fund Raising) who are wholly satisfied with its structure, transparency and legitimacy.
Companies, individuals and bodies involved in the project have been BZ Paintball, Tippmann Sports, Shoreline Paintball, Procaps (DXS), The UK Scenario Forum, Alan Murray and Tony Lindsay.
The Future
During 2011, Support for Soldiers has raised a total of £6,949.06. Some funds have already been allocated (Combat Stress – full details to be announced at the end of the year). There is currently a balance of £5,452.78 which will be distributed within the next seven days. Once all funds have been distributed, a full annual report and ledger account will be available to the public as was explained when the project was launched along with copies of all receipt as per Best Practise Guidelines.
_________________
THE GENERAL
